PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN

PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN2013 | 13 minutes ∞ | video

There is a beauty in connecting lines between these queer sounds, of tracing a constellation of stars within a vast galaxy of voices. Yet each voice is undeniably unique, each is his own singing creature, and it is not Somerville’s vocal range alone that defines him.

Three disparate sign systems - flower arranging, astronomy and American Sign Language - are used to create an experimental portrait of the unique sonic and political qualities of the voice of singer and queer cultural icon Jimmy Somerville.